Addiction is not just a bad habit; it’s a psychological disease and behavioral disorder. Attacking them with comments like “What disgusting stuff are you drinking?” or using religious scare tactics like “You’ll end up in hell, addict!” won’t help. Avoiding them or punishing them isn’t the way to deal with someone addicted because, simply put, they’ll just stick with those who are like them.
Addiction comes in many forms, from cigarettes, coffee, and tea, to marijuana, gambling, alcohol, drugs, and more.
Keep your cool
.. and remember who you are and why you care about them. Don’t let their addiction drag you down a path you don’t want to follow, even if it’s just out of curiosity. You may care for them, but you don’t have to agree with the path they’re on.
Avoid giving ultimatums
.. like “If you love me, you’ll quit smoking” or “If you care about me, you’ll stop drinking.” They probably love the substance they’re addicted to (whether it’s drugs, alcohol, or something else) more than they love you. Accept this hard truth early on so you can figure out how to deal with it.
Start looking for a suitable rehabilitation program
Don’t just take them by the hand and drop them off at a rehab center or force them into a completely new and difficult life. Ask about different rehab programs and get the opinions of people who have successfully recovered from addiction.
Don’t settle for short rehab programs
Many ads might promise one or two months or even just weeks! The shortest duration approved by the National Institute on Drug Abuse is 3 months.
Never give up on them
.. even if they agree to go to rehab. An addicted person has a much better chance of recovery when they have supportive people around them. Be their support throughout the journey.
Dealing with an addict can be risky
.. (both mentally and physically), especially if you’re not as strong as they are for any reason (whether you’re a spouse, child, parent, etc.). You need support too, whether it’s from family, a therapist, or even the law if necessary.
And Remember
.. just dropping them off at a rehab center and expecting them to come out a brand-new person after three months isn’t realistic or fair! It’s not that simple or that harsh! Keep your balance and remember why you care about them. A mentally ill person won’t go to a doctor just because you tell them to, and an addict won’t go to rehab just because you tell them to. To convince them, you need patience and effort from everyone around them.
In the end, an Intervention Plan can help you with the assistance of an addiction treatment specialist. It helps surround the addict from different angles without pressuring them, so they can take your side and not lose their respect for you or their focus on your words.
